Mauritania Country Report 2024: Mauritania's Path Ahead to Sustainable and Inclusive Growth

The Northwest African country of Mauritania has a diverse economy with various sectors contributing to its strong economic growth. 

The country’s economy is primarily driven by the mining sector, particularly iron ore production, which accounts for a significant portion of its export earnings. Additionally, Mauritania has substantial reserves of other minerals such as gold, copper, and gypsum, further bolstering its mining industry.

Aside from mining, fisheries play a crucial role in the Mauritanian economy, with the country’s rich marine resources supporting a thriving fishing industry. Fisheries contribute significantly to both domestic consumption and export revenue, making them a vital component of Mauritania’s economy.

Mauritania is also emerging as a clean energy leader, with the $4.8bn GTA LNG project, green hydrogen initiatives with global partners, and solar projects driving growth. Participation in the Desert to Power programme further cements its role in Africa’s energy transition, positioning the nation as a hub for industrialisation, sustainable development, and regional electrification efforts.

Furthermore, agriculture, livestock farming, and related activities are important contributors to Mauritania’s economy, providing employment and sustenance to a significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas. However, climatic and geographical challenges such as limited arable land, water scarcity, and climate variability are headwinds to that sector’s growth and productivity.

The government is currently set on an ambitious diversification drive across multiple sectors to ensure greater value-added, as well as sustainable and inclusive development for the remainder of the decade and into the 2030s.